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List of health problems because of obesity

Seriously over weight people have increased risk of many medical conditions. Obesity affects health and shortens life. Obesity is a disease prevalent in developed countries and more than one-third of Americans are considered to be obese. Diseases related to obesity are one of the leading causes of deaths in the United States. Obesity results from overeating, eating wrong kinds of food and lack of exercise. Heart problems, high blood pressure, arthritis, liver disease, stroke, gout, gallstones, colon cancer, breathing problems and diabetes are some of the many diseases that can result from obesity.

High Blood Pressure

Blood pressure increases with weight gain. High blood pressure or hypertension, may result from obesity because excess weight decreases elasticity of blood vessels. For proper blood flow blood vessels need to have elastic walls. Overweight people can decrease their blood pressure to a safe level even with slight weight loss.

Diabetes

Obesity contributes to the development of diabetes because it makes cells more resistant to the effects of insulin. Due to that, insulin is unable to perform its function and sugar remains in the bloodstream. Amount of insulin produced by the body is not enough to overcome the resistance of the cells and the level of blood sugar continues to rise which leads to diabetes or high blood sugar. This condition on the other hand causes various disorders of kidneys, eyes, blood vessels and heart.

Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a condition characterized by deposits of fatty material in the walls of blood vessels. Atherosclerosis is caused by elevated blood cholesterol levels. This condition leads to reduced elasticity of walls of blood vessels and reduces blood flow through an artery, which can result in heart attack or stroke.

Heart Disease

Heart disease in obesity results from fatty deposits in coronary arteries that reduce the blood flow to the heart. Along with poor oxygen supply, this can lead to angina and heart attack.

Stroke

Stroke results from damage to the brain due to reduced blood supply. Fat around the waist and abdomen increases the risk of stroke.

Arthritis

In obese people, joints, knees, hips and lower back are particularly affected due to load that places extra pressure to these joints. Cartilage, tissue in the joints, deteriorates and leads to joint pain and stiffness.

Gout

Gout is a disease that affects joints. It is caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood. This acid in large amounts can form into crystal mass that deposit in the joints. Risk of gout increases with body weight gain.

Gallstones

In obese people liver secretes excess amount of bile which leads to formation of gallstones.

Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is breathing condition caused by obesity and excess fat around neck. This causes person to snore heavily and stops breathing for short periods during sleep.